Deep Fried

• 1

  Fill a Dutch oven with 3 to 4 inches of frying oil. Peanut, soybean and sunflower oil all withstand deep-frying temperature without smoking.

• 2

  Attach a candy thermometer to the Dutch oven and set the heat to medium-high. Alternatively, heat the oil for about 12 minutes and place a probe thermometer in the center. Adjust the heat as needed so the oil stays about 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 3

  Remove the croquettes from the freezer after the oil reaches 375 F. Lower two or three frozen croquettes into the oil gently, using a deep-frying basket, slotted spoon or long-handled tongs.

• 4

  Fry the croquettes until they're golden brown and float on top of the oil, about five minutes. Roll the croquettes over in the oil halfway through frying if you notice once side getting darker faster than the other.

• 5

  Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them in a shallow dish lined with a couple layers of paper towels. Blot the croquettes with another paper towel as soon as you set them down. Wait for the oil to return to 375 F before heating more croquettes.

Oven

• 1

  Heat the oven to 425 F. If you have a convection oven, turn on the fan.

• 2

  Remove the croquettes from the freezer and arrange them in an even layer in a shallow baking dish.

• 3

  Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake the croquettes until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.